By implementing in-store screens that show social media shares from previous customers, real-time reviews, and user generated images of stock, you’re harnessing the power of both digital signage and social media ROI.

But the best part? Sharing social media streams at the point of sale (like in-store) can increase conversions by 7%.

Add Social Media Content to Websites to Increase Purchases

Your website is one of the most important steps in the customer journey. This is where potential buyers read all about your products and services and make the decision to hit the buy button or navigate away.

Instead of listening to this, they want to hear real stories from real customers. They trust their peers, and this makes a huge impact on their buying decisions.

So, by implementing a social media wall on your website, you’re tapping into the need by consumers to hear from other customers in order for them to make a positive purchasing decision.

You can do this like Converse, by simply adding an extra page to your site especially for customer generated social media content, or you can get creative, like using user generated images next to products instead of paid-for stock images or professional shots.

In a study run by Bllush, stock imagery in paid ads was tested against user generated content in paid ads with fascinating results. In all instances, the consumer generated photos outdid the polished professional photos for click-throughs.

Their goal was to “engage employees and inspire a friendly competition”, bridging the gap between the two sides of their business: the farm side and the restaurant side.

Team members were encouraged to share moments on social media so other employees could see how their work contributed to the bigger picture, creating a cohesive and engaged workforce.

As a result, the campaign inspired employees and increased understanding of each individual’s impact on the company, which led to more engagement from employees.

What’s more, the increased engagement of employees led to better service for their customers.

A study from Wunderman examines the new phenomenon of “wantedness” when it comes to consumer experience. Basically, this refers to the “degree to which a brand proves their commitment to earning a customer’s business across every touch point and throughout the entire path to purchase.”

When you tap into images, reviews, and comments your previous buyers have made, you’re not only tapping into the kind of content that consumers listen to the most, but you’re saving yourself some money.

Sure, generating a library of assets from UGC may not directly drive revenue, but it will cut the costs of hiring designers and freelancers which translates into a healthier bottom line.

Here’s a quick run-down of how you can build a UGC library for your brand:

Create a hashtag for customers to use so all the content can be collected in one place

Publish this hashtag across social media, via email, and via traditional marketing methods

Regularly check for new images and content

Ask for permission (whether that’s by outright asking social media sharers if you can reuse their content, or by implicitly implying permission via a hashtag)

Take Advantage of Social Media Aggregators to Fuel Fundraising Campaigns

Earlier this year, they raised more than $28 million in just 24 hours for their Annual Day of Giving.

They used TINT and the power of UGC to generate more than 32 million social impressions, which was a huge 190% increase from their 2015 efforts.

The team at Purdue use a range of tactics to encourage people to get involved on social media, like the “Tweet for a sweet” initiative, where students get a sweet if they share a Tweet about their activities.

As the UGC was being created, Purdue University reused it in different ways, including in email newsletters, on digital signs around campus, and on a designated website landing page to raise even more excitement around the event.

Leveraging Social Media ROI to Drive Revenue

The key to leveraging social media ROI to drive revenue boils down to this: trust.